Please provide name and contact information of a person familiar with your project.
If conducting personal/independent research, include contact information of a professional or
personal reference and the nature of your relationship
(may not be someone directly related to you, or with whom you share an address).

Research goal/purpose *

Abstract *

Understanding your research subject, scope,and purpose allows staff to better prepare for your visit. Please provide a brief description of your research project. If appropriate, specify the particular aspect of your project that you will be investigating with our collections. Also specify what you hope to find in the collection(s) you plan to consult (e.g, correspondence between particular individuals, meeting minutes from certain dates, or photographs of certain places).

Materials of interest

Date and length of your planned visit *

Other Email

Rules for using Manuscripts and Archives Division collections

Divisional staff will determine which materials can be made available for use and when surrogates must be used in lieu of originals.

Only items necessary for research such as paper, pencils, laptops without cases, and handheld cameras or cell phones are permitted in the Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room.

Jackets, bags, purses, pens, etc., are to be left at the coat check on the ground floor, adjacent to the Library's 42nd Street entrance.

Personal belongings including cell phones, wallets, and small purses may be brought to the Reading Room, but must be kept in the clear "Researcher Bag" obtainable from coat check staff. The "Researcher Bag" must be kept on the floor during collection use. Personal items are subject to examination upon entering and leaving the Reading Room.

Researchers must hold a New York Public Library card, obtainable from staff in the General Research Division, and must also present a valid photo ID to complete reader registration.

Safe handling of collection material is important. Library collections should be left in the state that they were found. Please listen carefully to instructions for handling materials.

Personal photography of collection materials is permitted for research purposes, but may be subject to restrictions pending review. Please direct questions about duplication to staff on duty. Photographing the Reading Room, researchers, or Library employees is not permitted. It is not permissible to record audio or video in any case.

Researchers are reminded that it is their obligation to comply with copyright law when publishing or otherwise using materials from the Library's collections. Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable, living individuals without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications.

I have read the Rules stipulated above,
and agree to adhere to these and any other relevant instructions of NYPL staff. I understand that submitting this form does not guarantee access
to specified collections nor access to collections on specific dates.